Sustainable outdoor lighting system for use in environmentally photo-sensitive area

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are systems and methods for outdoor lighting, which generally include two or more light sources. One light source is a monochromatic light source producing a light with a peak wavelength of about 580 nm or above. A second light source is a polychromatic light source producing a green-tint white light. During a standby operational mode, a control system maintains the first light source illuminated. The control system, which includes an integrated imaging system, illuminates the second light source when the imaging system identifies a target in an illumination area. Methods of preparing and using such outdoor lighting system are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/715,085 titledSustainable Outdoor Lighting System For Use In EnvironmentallyPhoto-Sensitive Area filed Dec. 12, 2012 (Attorney Docket No.588.00022), which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/942,875 titled Sustainable Outdoor Lighting System For UseIn Environmentally Photo-Sensitive Area filed Nov. 9, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,401,231 issued Mar. 19, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 588.00005),the contents of each of which are incorporated in their entiretiesherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for generatinglight. More specifically, the present invention relates to an outdoorlighting system for use in environmentally photo-sensitive areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor lighting systems have commonly been used to illuminate streets,parking lots, sidewalks, parks, and other public areas. However, manyoutdoor lighting systems result in unwanted glare, light trespass,energy waste, sky glow, and other generally unwanted light pollution.Many outdoor lighting systems also produce spectral pollution; i.e.,unwanted or hazardous effects resulting from the color spectrum emittedfrom the lighting system. Amongst other things, spectral pollution canhave detrimental environmental effects on plant and animal species; forexample, nocturnal mammals, migratory birds, and sea turtles. Roadwaylighting and security lighting along the coastline of Florida, forexample, have been shown to result in sometimes catastrophic reductionsin the breeding success of several species of sea turtles. For example,certain lights can inhibit adult female turtles from coming ashore tolay their eggs, and also lure newly hatched turtles inland rather thanto the open sea.

The American Astronomical Society and the International AstronomicalUnion recommend several solutions for alleviating light pollution orlight trespass. The recommendations include controlling the emittedlight via light fixture design and placement, taking advantage of timersand occupancy sensors, using ultraviolet and infrared filters to removenon-visible radiation, and using monochromatic light sources such aslow-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps for roadway, parking lot, and securitylighting. Unfortunately, the recommendations each have their limitationsand disadvantages. For example, while the use of an amber monochromaticlight may minimize unwanted environmental effects, amber monochromaticlight compromises color rendering and provides inadequate viewingconditions for certain mission-critical circumstances. Further,solutions for alleviating light pollution or light trespass are notalways effective in alleviating spectral pollution.

What is needed is a lighting system that is efficient, cost-effective,and minimizes spectral pollution, while providing adequate lighting andcolor rendering for varying circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are outdoor lighting systems and methods to address theabove-identified problems. In general, the embodiments provided hereininclude an environmentally sensitive outdoor lighting system comprisinga first light source that may produce monochromatic light, a secondlight source that may produce a polychromatic white light, a controlsystem that may be electrically coupled to the first light source andthe second light source, and an imaging systems that may be integratedwith the control system and may provide an input to the control system.The imaging system may comprise a processor having image-recognitionlogic to differentiate between a target and another non-target movingobject. Additionally, the control system may be programmed to illuminatethe first light source in a standby operational mode, and illuminate thesecond light source when the imaging system detects a target within anillumination area.

In some embodiments, the second light source may produce light with acolor rendering index of 75 or above. Additionally, the first lightsource may have a peak wavelength above 580 nm. Furthermore, the firstlight source may produce lighting with a peak wavelength within one ofthe ranges selected from the group consisting of: from 580 nm to 660 nm,from 580 nm to 615 nm, and from 580 nm to 600 nm. The first light sourcemay be selected from the group consisting of: an LED light source, alow-pressure sodium light source, and an amber light source.Additionally, the second light source may produce a polychromaticgreen-tint white light.

In some embodiments, the imaging system comprises at least one of a CODcamera and a CMOS image sensor. Furthermore, the control system may beprogrammed to illuminate the first light source in a standby operationmode and maintain the second light source un-illuminated, despitedetecting a target, during an environmentally critical time period.Additionally, the lighting system may further comprise a communicationsmodule coupled to the control system. The communication module mayprovide external commands to the control system.

Methods of preparing and using such outdoor lighting system are alsoprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, form part ofthe specification. Together with this written description, the drawingsfurther serve to explain the principles of, and to enable a personskilled in the relevant art(s), to make and use an outdoor lightingsystem in accordance with the present invention. In the drawings, likereference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 is schematic illustration of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the light source front end presented inFIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B provides chromaticity diagrams to explain an aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment presented herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the figures refers to theaccompanying drawings that illustrate one or more exemplary embodimentsof an outdoor lighting system. Other embodiments are possible.Modifications may be made to the embodiment described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore,the following detailed description is not meant to be limiting.

Before describing one or more embodiments in detail, it is useful toprovide definitions for key terms and concepts used herein. For example,for a target to “enter” or be “within” an illumination area does notimply that the target is inside the absolute boundary of theillumination area. The terms “enter” and “within,” in the context of thepresent invention, should be broadly construed to include situationswherein the target is in the vicinity of the illumination area. Further,the term “monochromatic light” is intended to mean “a light having ahalf-peak spectral bandwidth of less than about 25 nm.” An “amber light”is “a monochromatic light having a peak wavelength between about 580 nmand about 660 nm,” The term “polychromatic light” is intended to mean “alight having a half-peak spectral bandwidth of more than about 25 nm, ora light with two or more spectral peaks.” Further, the term “standbyoperational mode” is intended to mean “a condition in which the lightingsystem is illuminating an illumination area, but circumstances are suchthat environmental impact need not be compromised for adequate colorrendering.” For example, if there are no targets (e.g., humans orvehicles) in the vicinity of the illumination area, the outdoor lightingsystem may be maintained in a standby operational mode because adequatecolor rendering is of little or no concern.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both ofthose included limits are also included in the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is schematic illustration of one embodiment presented herein,FIG. 1 illustrates an outdoor lighting system 100 incorporated into astreet lamp 101. The positioning and optics provided in lighting system100 create an illumination area 180. In alternative embodiments, themethods and systems described herein may be incorporated into variouslighting fixtures, forms, and configurations. For example, the methodsand systems described herein may be incorporated into a light fixture asdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 201010188850, theentire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. Themethods and systems described herein may also be incorporated intofixtures other than an outdoor street lamp.

As further outlined below, lighting system 100 is configured to beswitched between providing monochromatic light under a standbyoperational mode, and polychromatic light when a target entersillumination area 180. As such lighting system 100 minimizesenvironmental disturbance and spectral pollution when in a standbyoperational mode. However, when a target (e.g., a human or vehicle)enters illumination area 180, or under other mission-criticalsituations, lighting system 100 provides a polychromatic, high colorrendering light. As such, during a mission-critical situation, lightingsystem 100 compromises environmental impact for optimal viewingconditions.

In one embodiment, lighting system 100 includes internal components asillustrated in the block 102. For example, lighting system 100 includesa power supply 110, auxiliary control 112, communications module 114,imaging system 116, controller 118, and the plurality of light sources120.

The present invention incorporates the use of at least two lightsources. Each light source may be independent of the other, or may beintegrated with one another. At least one light source is amonochromatic light source. Preferably, at least one light source is anamber light source. In one embodiment, for example, the first lightsource is a light-emitting diode (LED) light source, such as an amberLED light source. More specifically, the first light source may producemonochromatic light with a peak wavelength of about 580 nm or above, orbetween about 580 nm and about 660 nm, or between about 580 nm and about600 nm. In another embodiment, the first light source may be alow-pressure sodium light source.

At least one other light source (i.e., a second light source) is apolychromatic light source. Preferably, the second light source is agreen-tint white LED light source, which when combined with the firstlight source produces a resulting white light with a color renderingindex above 75. In one embodiment, for example, the second light sourceincludes one or more LED chips selected from one of the bins 410provided in the chromaticity diagram of FIG. 4A. As would be understoodby one of skill in the art, the LED chips are chosen based on the colorcoordinates of the monochromatic light source. Both light sources shouldcombine to produce a light that matches the black body curve 460provided in chromaticity diagram 450 of FIG. 46. The intensities of thefirst and/or second light sources can also be configured to produce aresulting light on the black body curve 460.

In another embodiment, wherein the second light source is used toreplace (rather than supplement) the first light source, the secondlight source is a polychromatic LED light source producing a white lightwith a color rendering index above 75.

Controller 118 is a general purpose processor that receives input fromimaging system 116, auxiliary control 112, and/or communications module114. Controller 118 includes programmed instructions to control theillumination of one or more light sources 120. For example, in oneembodiment, controller 118 is programmed and configured to illuminatethe first light source in a standby operational mode, and illuminateboth the first light source and the second light source when imagingsystem 116 detects a target within illumination area 180. Thecombination of the first and second light source results in a whitelight having a color rendering index above 75. Controller 118, andequivalent systems, thus serve as a means for illuminating amonochromatic light during a standby operational mode, and illuminatingboth a monochromatic light and a polychromatic light when an imagingsystem detects a target within an illumination area.

In one embodiment, controller 118 is also programmed and configured toilluminate the first light source in a standby operational mode andmaintain the second light source un-illuminated, despite the imagingsystem detecting a target, during an environmentally critical timeperiod. As such, lighting system 100 may sacrifice color renderingduring environmentally critical time periods to minimize spectralpollution. Environmentally critical time periods include, but are notlimited to, sea turtle breeding periods, bird migration periods, plantgrowth periods, plant activity cycles, etc.

In another embodiment, controller 118 is programmed and configured toilluminate both the first light source and the second light source inresponse to a command received from auxiliary control 112 and/orcommunications module 114. For example, local authorities may transmit acommand to communications module 114 to illuminate the second lightsource during a security emergency. Communications module 114 may be awireless transducer, or a land-line connection. Further, auxiliarycontrol 112 may be the control logic that provides controller 118 withinformation regarding environmentally critical time periods. Auxiliarycontrol 112 and/or communications module 114, and equivalent systems,serve as means for providing an external command to the means forilluminating.

Further, in an embodiment wherein the second light source itselfproduces a white light with a color rendering index about 75, controller118 may be configured to switch between the first and second lightsource depending on lighting need.

In operation, imaging system 116 provides an input to controller 118.Imaging system 116 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera,complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and/orother motion sensor and identification systems. In one embodiment,imaging system 116 is a chip-based imaging system having a processorwith control logic to identify and differentiate objects within itsviewing window. Such imaging systems are commercially available, such asthe Intelligent Occupancy Sensing system and Machine Vision Camerasystem provided by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, Inc. For example, imaging system116 preferably includes recognition logic to differentiate betweentargets (e.g., humans or vehicles) and non-target moving objects and/oranimals. As such, if imaging system 116 identifies an animal movingwithin the illumination area 180, imaging system 116 can provide aninput (or no input at all) to control system 118 indicating that controlsystem 118 should remain in the standby operational mode. While instandby operational mode, the lighting system compromises colorrendering to minimize spectral pollution. However, if imaging system 116identifies a target within illumination area 180, imaging system 116 mayprovide an input to control system 118 indicating that one or moreadditional polychromatic light sources should be illuminated to replaceor supplement the first monochromatic light source. Imaging system 116,and equivalent systems, thus serve as “means for distinguishing betweentargets and other non-target moving objects,” and “means fordistinguishing between a target of interest and a targetnot-of-interest.”

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 illustrates a lighting module 200 having a light source front end210. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of light source front end 210. In theembodiment shown, light source front end 210 includes a directionaloptic 312 and an LED board 340. LED board 340 includes a plurality ofLED packages 345. A gasket 316 is provided between directional optic 312and LED board 340. Fasteners 319 are used to attach directional optic312 to LED board 340.

Each LED package 345 may consist of one or more LED dies emitting aparticular wavelength of light. As such, each LED package 345 may beconsidered its own distinct light source. Alternatively, one or more LEDpackages producing similar wavelengths of light may be linked or groupedtogether to form a single light source. For example, a plurality of LEDpackages 345, each producing amber light, may be linked together tofunction as one amber light source (i.e., a first light source).Similarly, a plurality of LED packages 345, each producing a green-tintwhite light, may be linked together to function as one polychromaticlight source (i.e., a second light source). The “first light source” and“second light source” are then controlled by a controller, as discussedabove. The LED packages of the first light source may be eitherintermixed or spatially separated from LED packages of the second lightsource on the LED board 340.

Directional optic 312 includes a plurality of directional lenses 313.Each directional lens is shaped and configured to direct light in adesired direction. Directional optic 312 also includes an imaging system245, such as one of the imaging systems described above.

Lighting module 200 is provided with a component housing 225. Withincomponent housing 225 are one or more electrical components; such as,LED drivers, processors, and other components described with respect toblock 102 of FIG. 1. Lighting module 200 further includes a heat sink215 and heat sink end caps 230, which are provided to dissipate heatfrom LED board 340. Fasteners 327 and washers 329 are used to couple LEDhoard 340 to heat sink 215. An opening 240 is provided within heat sink215 to accommodate for the electrical coupling between LED board 340 andthe controller provided in component housing 225. Opening 240 alsoaccommodates for the coupling of imaging system 245 with internalcomponents within component housing 225. In alternative embodiments, theimaging system processor may be provided in component housing 225 ordirectly on LED board 340. Finally, a fixture mount 235 is provided tomount lighting module 200 to a lighting fixture.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing outdoorlighting, while minimizing spectral pollution. Dotted line 500distinguishes between hardware components and software components of thepresented embodiment. In step 501, there is provided a first lightsource and a second light source. In one embodiment, for example, thefirst light source is a monochromatic light source producing light witha peak wavelength of about 580 nm or above. The second light source is apolychromatic LED light source producing a green-tint white light. Instep 502, the first and second light sources are coupled to a controlsystem, such as controller 118 described above. Input to controller 118is provided by AUX control 112, communications module 114, and imagingsystem 116. The control system is then programmed according to thesoftware protocol provided below dotted line 500. For example, thecontrol system is initially set in a standby operational mode (block520). While in standby operational mode (block 520), the control systemilluminates the first light source (block 550). The first light source,which is a monochromatic light source producing light with a peakwavelength of about 580 nm or above, compromises color rendering inorder to minimize spectral pollution.

When a target enters the illumination area (block 525), the controlsystem determines whether there is an environmentally critical timeperiod (block 530). If there is an environmentally critical time period,the control system maintains the first light source illuminated (block550) and the second light source un-illuminated, whether or not a targetis within the illumination area. As such, the lighting system minimizesspectral pollution during environmentally critical time periods.However, if there is not an environmentally critical time period, thencontrol system illuminates the second light source (block 560) tosupplement the first light source. As such, the combined first andsecond light source provide improved color rendering and viewingconditions. At the same time, if there is a command for mission-criticallighting, such as a security emergency, the control system can maintainthe second light source illuminated (block 560), regardless of whetherthere is a target in the illumination area or whether there is anenvironmentally critical period.

As such, there is provided an outdoor lighting system that canaccommodate for various lighting needs and circumstances, and minimizespectral pollution. In typical operation, the outdoor lighting systemprovides a monochromatic light that minimizes spectral pollution andenvironmental impact. The control system includes an integrated imagingsystem that can, distinguish between targets (e.g., humans or vehicles)and other non-target moving objects and/or animals. If non-target movingobjects and/or animals enter the illumination area, the light system cancontinue to provide monochromatic light with minimal spectral pollution.However, if a target (e.g., human or vehicles) enters the illuminationarea, or an emergency situation is identified, the control system cansupplement or replace the monochromatic light with a high colorrendering, polychromatic light.

EXAMPLES

The following paragraphs serve as example embodiments of theabove-described methods and systems. The examples provided are propheticexamples, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Example 1

In one example, there is provided a method of providing outdoor lightingwhile minimizing spectral pollution, comprising: 1) providing a firstlight source and a second light source; 2) electrically coupling thefirst light source and the second light source to a control system,wherein the control system is integrated with an imaging system; 3)programming the control system to illuminate the first light source in astandby operational mode; and 4) programming the control system toilluminate both the first light source and the second light source whenthe imaging system detects a target within an illumination area. In suchexample, the first light source is a monochromatic light sourceproducing light with a peak wavelength of about 580 nm or above. Thesecond light source is a polychromatic LED light source producing agreen-tint white light. Illumination of both the first light source andthe second light source produces a white light with a color renderingindex of about 75 or above.

The imaging system may include a processor having image-recognitionlogic to differentiate between a target (e.g., human or moving vehicle)and non-target moving objects. The imaging system may also include a CCDcamera, a CMOS sensor, and/or alternative motion detector.

The method may also include any one of the following steps: 1)programming the control system to illuminate the first light source in astandby operational mode and maintain the second light sourceun-illuminated, despite the imaging system detecting a target, during anenvironmentally critical time period, wherein the environmentallycritical time period corresponds to sea turtle breeding periods or birdmigrations; 2) coupling the control system to a communications module;3) programming the control system to illuminate both the first lightsource and the second light source in response to a command receivedfrom the communications module; and 4) transmitting a command to thecommunications module to illuminate the second light source during asecurity emergency. The communications module may be a wirelesstransducer.

The first light source may be an LED light source, a low-pressure sodiumlight source, an amber light source, or any other light source thatproduces monochromatic light with a peak wavelength between about 580 nmand about 660 nm, or between about 580 nm and about 600 nm.

Example 2

In another example, there is provided an outdoor lighting system,comprising: 1) a first light source that produces monochromatic lightwith a peak wavelength of about 580 nm or above; 2) a second lightsource, wherein the second light source is a polychromatic LED lightsource producing a green-tint white light, and wherein illumination ofboth the first light source and the second light source produces a whitelight with a color rendering index of about 75 or above; 3) a controlsystem electrically coupled to the first light source and the secondlight source; and 4) an imaging system integrated with the controlsystem and providing an input to the control system. The control systemis programmed to illuminate the first light source in a standbyoperational mode, and illuminate both the first light source and thesecond light source when the imaging system detects a target within anillumination area.

The imaging system may include a processor having image-recognitionlogic to differentiate between a target (e.g., human or vehicle) andanother non target moving object, as well as a CCD camera, a CMOSsensor, and/or motion detector,

The system may also include a communications module coupled to thecontrol system. The communications module provides external commands tothe control system. The communications module may be a wirelesstransducer.

The first light source may be an LED light source, a low-pressure sodiumlight source, an amber light source, or any other light source thatproduces monochromatic light with a peak wavelength between about 580 nmand about 660 nm, or between about 580 nm and about 600 nm.

Example 3

In a third example, there is provided a method of providingenvironmentally sensitive outdoor lighting, comprising: 1) providing afirst light source and a second light source on an outdoor fixture,wherein the first light source is a monochromatic light source producinglight with a peak wavelength between about 580 nm and about 615 nm, andwherein the second light source is a polychromatic LED light sourceproducing a green-tint white light; 2) electrically coupling the firstlight source and the second light source to a control system, whereinthe control system is integrated with an imaging system, wherein theimaging system comprises a processor having image-recognition logic todifferentiate between a target (e.g., human or vehicle) and anothernon-target moving object; 3) programming the control system toilluminate the first light source in a standby operational mode; and 4)programming the control system to illuminate both the first light sourceand the second light source when the imaging system detects a targetwithin an illumination area, wherein illumination of both the firstlight source and the second light source produces a white light with acolor rendering index of about 75 or above. The method may furtherinclude the steps of: 5) programming the control system to illuminatethe first light source in a standby operational mode and maintain thesecond light source un-illuminated, despite the imaging system detectinga target, during an environmentally critical time period: 6) couplingthe control system to a communications module; 7) programming thecontrol system to illuminate both the first light source and the secondlight source in response to a command received from the communicationsmodule; and 8) transmitting a command to the communications module toilluminate the second light source during a security emergency.

Example 4

In a fourth example, there is provided an environmentally sensitiveoutdoor lighting system, comprising: 1) a first light source thatproduces monochromatic light with a peak wavelength between about 580 nmand about 615 nm; 2) a second light source, wherein the second lightsource is a polychromatic LED light source producing a green-tint whitelight, and wherein illumination of both the first light source and thesecond light source produces a white light with a color rendering indexof about 75 or above; 3) a control system electrically coupled to thefirst light source and the second light source: 4) an imaging systemintegrated with the control system and providing an input to the controlsystem, wherein the imaging system comprises a processor havingimage-recognition logic to differentiate between a target (e.g., humanor vehicle) and another non-target moving object; and 5) acommunications module coupled to the control system, wherein thecommunications module provides external commands to the control system.The control system is programmed to illuminate the first light source ina standby operational mode, and illuminate both the first light sourceand the second light source when the imaging system detects a targetwithin an illumination area.

Example 5

In yet another example, there is provided a lighting system, comprising:means for producing monochromatic light with a peak wavelength betweenabout 580 nm and about 615 nm; means for producing a polychromaticgreen-tint white light, wherein the combined monochromatic andpolychromatic light have a color rendering index above about 80; meansfor differentiating between a target (e.g., human or vehicle) andanother non-target moving object; means for illuminating the means forproducing monochromatic light during a standby operational mode, andilluminating both the means for producing monochromatic light and themeans for producing a polychromatic light when the means fordifferentiating detects a target within an illumination area; and meansfor providing an external command to the means for illuminating.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.Other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suitedto the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appendedclaims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of theinvention; including equivalent structures, components, methods, andmeans.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used tointerpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forthone or more, but not all exemplary embodiments of the present inventionas contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limitthe present invention and the appended claims in any way.

What is claimed is:
 1. An environmentally sensitive outdoor lightingsystem comprising: a first light source that produces monochromaticlight; a second light source that produces a polychromatic white light;a control system electrically coupled to the first light source and thesecond light source; and an imaging systems integrated with the controlsystem and providing an input to the control system; wherein the imagingsystem comprises a processor having image-recognition logic todifferentiate between a target and another non-target moving object;wherein the control system is programmed to illuminate the first lightsource in a standby operational mode, and illuminate the second lightsource when the imaging system detects a target within an illuminationarea.
 2. The outdoor lighting system according to claim 1 wherein thesecond light source produces light with a color rendering index of 75 orabove.
 3. The outdoor lighting system according to claim 1 wherein thefirst light source has a peak wavelength above 580 nm.
 4. The outdoorlighting system according to claim 1 wherein the first light sourceproduces lighting with a peak wavelength within one of the rangesselected from the group consisting of: from 580 nm to 660 nm, from 580nm to 615 nm, and from 580 nm to 600 nm.
 5. The outdoor lighting systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the first light source is selected from thegroup consisting of: an LED light source, a low-pressure sodium lightsource, and an amber light source.
 6. The outdoor lighting systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the second light source produces apolychromatic green-tint white light.
 7. The outdoor lighting systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the imaging system comprises at least oneof a CCD camera and a CMOS image sensor.
 8. The outdoor lighting systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the control system is programmed toilluminate the first light source in a standby operation mode andmaintain the second light source un-illuminated, despite detecting atarget, during an environmentally critical time period.
 9. The outdoorlighting system according to claim 1 further comprising a communicationsmodule coupled to the control system; wherein the communication moduleprovides external command to the control system.
 10. A method ofproviding outdoor lighting while minimizing spectral pollution,comprising: programming the an imaging system to differentiate between atarget and another non-target moving object; programming a controlsystem that is associated with the imaging system to illuminate a firstlight source in a standby operational mode; and programming the controlsystem to illuminate a second light source when the imaging systemdetects a target within an illumination area; wherein the first lightsource is a monochromatic light source producing light with a peakwavelength of 580 nm or above; and wherein the second light source is apolychromatic white light source.
 11. The method according to claim 10further comprising programming the control system to illuminate thefirst light source in a standby operation mode and maintain the secondlight source un-illuminated, despite the imaging system detecting atarget, during an environmentally critical time period.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11 wherein the environmentally critical time periodis selected from the group consisting of: sea turtle breeding periods,bird migration periods, plant growth periods, and plant activity cycles.13. The method according to claim 10 further comprising: coupling thecontrol system to a communications module; and programming the controlsystem to illuminate the second light source in response to a commandreceived from the communications module.
 14. The method according toclaim 10 wherein the first light source is selected from the groupconsisting of: an LED light source, a low-pressure sodium light source,and an amber light source.
 15. The method according to claim 10 whereinthe first light source produces lighting with a peak wavelength withinone of the ranges selected from the group consisting of: from 580 nm to660 nm, from 580 nm to 615 nm, and from 580 nm to 600 nm.
 16. Anenvironmentally sensitive outdoor lighting system comprising: a firstlight source that produces monochromatic light having a peak wavelengthabove 580 nm; a second light source that produces a polychromatic whitelight; a control system electrically coupled to the first light sourceand the second light source; and an imaging systems integrated with thecontrol system and providing an input to the control system, wherein theimaging system comprises a processor having image-recognition logic todifferentiate between a target and another non-target moving object;wherein the control system is programmed to illuminate the first lightsource in a standby operational mode, and illuminate the second lightsource when the imaging system detects a target within an illuminationarea; and wherein the second light source produces light with a colorrendering index of 75 or above.
 17. The outdoor lighting systemaccording to claim 16 wherein the first light source produces lightingwith a peak wavelength within one of the ranges selected from the groupconsisting of: from 580 nm to 660 nm, from 580 nm to 615 nm, and from580 nm to 600 nm.
 18. The outdoor lighting system according to claim 16wherein the imaging system comprises at least one of a CCD camera and aCMOS image sensor,
 19. The outdoor lighting system according to claim 16wherein the control system is programmed to illuminate the first lightsource in a standby operation mode and maintain the second light sourceun-illuminated, despite detecting a target, during an environmentallycritical time period.
 20. The outdoor lighting system according to claim16 further comprising a communications module coupled to the controlsystem; wherein the communication module provides external command tothe control system.